Newton-John, Successful and Famous, Shrugs Off Pat on Head

Even famous women are treated condescendingly when they try to start a business, singer Olivia Newton-John said today.

Newton-John, the National Assn. of Women Business Owners’ newly crowned celebrity woman business owner of the year, sighed and shrugged at her news conference in reviewing the reaction she got from associates when she and partner Pat Farrar decided to open Koala Blue, a women’s sportswear boutique.

“They sort of patted us on the head and said, ‘This is a nice little thing that will keep you entertained for a while,’ ” Newton-John said.

That was in 1983, when she and Farrar opened their first store, which specialized in Australian imports, in Los Angeles. Six years and 30 stores later, the two say they have proven themselves.

Koala Blue sold $14 million in merchandise last year and is expected to sell an estimated $35 million by 1991, when the women hope to have at least 100 boutiques around the world.